Ironing machine



Get. 12, 1937 w. F. OLIVER 2,095,512

IRONING MACHINE Filed Aug. 6, 1934 5 Sheets-Sheet l WkM ATTORNEY Oct. 12, 1937? W, oLlVER 2,095,512

IRONING MACHINE Filed Aug. 6, 1954 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR 24a W67LLOC FOL/V55 ATTORN EY W. F. OLIVER IR'ONING MACHINE Oct. 12, 1937.

Filed Aug. 6, 1934 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR 1- h eyuaczf 04/1 58 ATTORNEY Oct. 12, 1937. w. F. OLIVER IIRONING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Aug. 6, 1934 INVENTOR M/QLLQCE FGL/VSA? 1 I W Y ATTORNEY Patented Oct. 12 1937 PATENT OFFICE 2,095,512 lRONING MACHINE Wallace F. Oliver, Detroit, Mich., assignor to Hydraulic Brake Company, Detroit, corporation of California Mich., a

Application August 6, 1934, Serial No. 738,720

8 Claims.

This invention relates to ironing machines. Broadly the invention comprehends an ironing machine including a pair of cooperative ironing elements, one manually movable into operative position and there automatically locked against movement, and the other actuated by a fluid pressure system including a fluid pressure produc ing device, fluid pressure actuating motors connected thereto and arranged to support and actuate the element; and means connected in the system yieldingly maintaining pressure on the fluid in the system so that the ironing element supported by the fluid pressure actuated motors may be displaced, upon movement of the manually movable element into operative position, proportionately to the thickness of the work to compensate for variations in the thickness of the work.

An object of the invention is to provide an ironing machine including cooperative ironing elements, one of which is actuated by a fluid preseluding a fluid pressure producing device and a relief valve and manual means for actuating these instrumentalities including means for unlocking the manually moved element.

A further object of the invention is to pro-' vide an ironing machine including cooperative ironing elements, one manually movable into operative position and there automatically locked against movement, and the other actuated by a fluid pressure system operative to yieldingly retain the fluid in the system under pressure, to balance the pressure on the fluid, and to increase the pressure on the fluid to create an ironing pressure between the elements, and manually operative means for the fluid pressure system ineluding means for unlocking the manually movable element.

Other objects and advantages of the invention 55 will more fully appear from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification, and in which,-

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an ironing machine partly broken away and partly in elevation so as to better illustrate the invention;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary view of the head supporting and locking means;

Figure 3 is an end elevation of the fluid pressure producing device;

Figure 4 is a sectional view substantially on line 4-4, Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a 'topplan view of the pressure producing device;

Figure 6 is a sectional view substantially on line 6-6, Figure 5;

Figure 7 is asectional view substantially on line 'l--1, Figure 5;

Figure 8 is a sectional view substantially on line 88, Figure 5; and

Figure 9 is a diagrammatical illustration of an electrical circuit for the machine.

Referring to the drawings for more specific details of the invention, l0 represents a frame having at one end an upward extending hollow column l2 and at its other end an upward extending sleeve I4 terminating in a portion of a sphere I6. A hollow column I8, suitably secured to the frame concentric to the column [4, receives a hollow column 20, and corresponding legs 22 secured to the sides of the frame cooperate with the column 20 in providing suitablesupports for the frame.

A top 24, supported on the frame, has an opening for the reception of the column l4, an upward extending frustro-conical portion 26 having an opening for the reception of the column l2, and

an apron 28. Secured on the frame beneath the top is a shield 30 concealing from view the operating mechanism to be hereinafter described.

, A fluidpressure producing device indicated generally at 32 is suitably mounted in thesleeve l2. therein a reciprocable piston 36 provided with a concentric opening in which is fitted one end of a hollow rod 38, the other end of which extends outward from the reservoir through a closure plate 40 secured in the open end of the reservoir by a retaining ring 42. The outer or free end of the rod is provided with a flat 44 for the reception of a tool and is closed as by a cap '46.

A leak-proof cup 48 is fitted on the head of the piston 36 and interposed between the head of the piston and the cover plate 40 is a coil spring 50 normally urging the piston toward the bottom This device includes a reservoir 34 having of the reservoir. Upon removing the cap 46 and retracting the piston by means of a tool engaging the fiat 44, the reservoir may be filled through the rod.

Formed on the wall of the reservoir parallel to the axis thereof and diametrically disposed to one another, are cylinders 52 and 54. Each of these cylinders has therein a reciprocal piston 56 secured against displacement by a retaining ring 58 fitted in a groove in the .Wall of the cylinder. The piston 56 has a conical head 60 provided with a diametral bore 62 communicating with an axial bore 64 through the body of the piston, and fitted in the axial bore is a bleeder screw 66. A leak-proof cup 68 is fitted in a circumferential groove in the body of the piston, and fitted on the back of the piston is a cap 10 enclosing the bleeder screw 66.

In the base of the reservoir is a compound cyllinder 12 including a large cylinder 14 and a smaller cylinder 16 arranged co-axially to and communicating with one another. The larger cylinder 14 has ports 18 and providing communications between the large cylinder and the reservoir, and the smaller cylinder 16 has a discharge port 82 communicating with a valve chamber 84 having therein a check valve 86 controlling a passage 88 providing a communication between the chamber 84 and a passage connecting the cylinders 52 and 54, and the passage 88 has a branched passage 92 in which is suitably secured a fluid pressure switch 94.

A piston 96, reciprocable in the compound cylinder 12, is held against displacement by a retaining ring 98 seated in a circumferential groove in the wall of the cylinder adjacent the open end thereof. This piston has heads I00 and I02 spaced apart by a sleeve I04. The head I00 is fitted snugly in the large cylinder 14, and the head I02 is fitted snugly in the small cylinder 16. The skirt of the piston has spaced radial flanges I06 between which is fitted a leak-proof cup I08, and a portion of reduced cross-sectional area providing in conjunction with the wall of the cylinder 14 an annular chamber IIO communicating with the reservoir 34 by way of the port 18.

The head I00 has a plurality of ports II2 providing communications between the annular chamber H0 and that portion of the cylinder 14 forward of the head I00. A collapsible leakproof cup II4 loosely fitted in a circumferential groove in the piston controls the ports H2, and this cup is normally held against its seat by a relatively light spring II6 interposed between the cup and a suitable stop I I8.

A plug I20 threaded in the skirt of the piston provides in conjunction with the skirt a chamber I22 communicating with the sleeve I04, and a port I 24 provides a communication between the chamber I22 and the annular chamber H0. The chamber I22 also has a plurality of ports I28 providing communications be.1veen the chamber I22 and that portion of the cylinder 14 forward of the piston head I00.

The head I02 of the piston 96 has a plurality of ports I30 providing communications between the cylinders 14 and 16, and an extension I32 having a reduced passage I34 providing a communication between the sleeve I04 and the cylinder 16. A collapsible leak-proof cup I36 on the head of the piston I02 controls the ports I30 and a radial flange I38 on the extension I32 retains the cup against displacement, and interposed between the flange I38 and the head of the cylinder 16 is a coil spring I40 for urging the piston to its retracted position.

A reciprocal piston I42 in the sleeve I04 has a leak-proof cup I44 on its head held against displacement by a spring I46 interposed between the cup and the back of the piston head I02. The piston I42 has formed integrally therewith a valve I48 urged by a relatively heavy spring I50 to a cushioned seat I52 in the chamber I22 to close the passages I28.

The plug I20 in the skirt of the piston 96 has a recess I54 receiving one end of a thrust pin I56, the other end of which is pivotally attached to a cross arm I58 keyed to shaft I60 journaled in a bearing I62 on the frame I0, and an operating lever I64 suitably secured to the shaft has an extension I66 provided with a knob or hand grip I68 easily accessible to the operator. Upon applying force to the lever I64, the shaft I60 may be moved through an angle and this movement is transmitted through the lever I58 and thrust pin I56 to move the piston 96 on its compression stroke.

A valve chamber I10 at the base of the reservoir 34 has a port I12 providing a communication between the chamber and the reservoir 34 and a port I14 providing a communication between the chamber and the cylinder 52. A valve cage I16, fitted in the valve chamber I10 is held in place by closure plug I18 threaded in the open end of the cylinder. This valve cage has an orificed head I80 positioned between the ports I12 and I14. A leak-proof cup I82 on the head I80 has a concentric opening and the perimeter defining the opening overhangs the orifice in the head to provide an effective seal. Another leakproof cup I84 is seated on the head of the valve chamber, and a coil spring I86 interposed between the cups retains them against displacement.

A valve in the cage I16 includes a cylindrical body portion I88 having spaced ribs I90 for the purpose of guiding the valve and providing for the free passage of fluid, and a cylindrical portion I92 adapted to enter the orifices in the head I 80 and to engage the overhanging perimeter of the cup I82. The valve has a stem I94 extending through the head of the valve chamber. This stem has thereon a collar I96, and a spring I 98, interposed between the collar and the head of the valve chamber, normally retains the valve in closed position. The free end of the stem I94 abuts an adjustable screw 200 mounted in an arm 202 keyed or otherwise secured to the operating shaft I60.

A buck 204 of the conventional type has on its back a sleeve 206 telescoping the hollow column I2 on the frame I0, and bearing surfaces or inserts 208 in engagement with the cap 10 on the piston 56 in the cylinders 52 and 54. The sleeve 206 is locked against rotation by a conventional key. Arranged on the wall of the sleeve 206, diametrically disposed with respect to one another and parallel to the axis of the sleeve 206, are cylinders 2I0 and 2I2. Rods 2I4, slidably mounted in lugs 2I6 on the wall of the column I2, are received by the cylinders 2I0 and 2I2. These rods have heads 2I8, and coil springs 220 are sleeved on the rods between the heads and retaining rings 222 seated in circumferential grooves in the wall of the cylinders adjacent the open ends thereof. Because of this arrangement the buck is normally retained in a predetermined position.

An ironing head 224 adapted for cooperation with the buck is pivotally attached to corresponding oppositely disposed horns 226 formed on a hollow arm 228 having a flared end 230 telescoping the spherical portion I6 on the column I4. The arm has an internal web 232 having a lat eral arm 234 attached as by a pivot 236 to the spherical portion I6, and attached to the arm 228 is a rod 238 provided with a knob or hand-grip 240.- The arm 234 extends downward into the column I4, and is provided on its free end with a case-hardened insert 242, and a yoke 244 pivoted on the arm has attached thereto the corresponding ends of coil springs 246, the other ends of which are attached to adjustable members 248 mounted in brackets 250 on frame I0.

Pivotally mounted on the frame I0 is a bell crank lever 252 adapted for cooperation with the arm 234 to lock the head in operative position.

One end of this bell crank lever is connected by a rod 256 to the cross arm I58 on the shaft I60. The bell crank lever has'an arm 258 carrying a pin 260 held in engagement with a lug 262 on a 'lever 264 by a spring 266 connected between the arm 258 and the lever 264. The lever 264 is pivoted on the frame I0 and its free end engages the arm 202 to retain the operating lever I64 in neutral position. The lever 264 carries a lever 268, the free end of which is adapted to engage a notch 210 in the arm I58 to lock the lever I64 against movement when position.

The fluid pressure switch 94 is connected in a circuit 212 including a lamp 214 housed in the arm 228 back of an opening having therein a colored glass 216. The circuit 212 is tapped off of a circuit 218 including a heating element 280 in the ironing head 224 and a rheostat 282 associated with the heating element. 218 may be connected to any suitable source of electrical supply.

Assuming that the fluid pressure operated system is filled with suitable fluid, that the circuit 218 is connected to a source of electrical supply, that the ironing head 224 is in an elevated or inoperative position, and that the buck 204 is in the position of rest wherein the fluid pressure actuated motors 52 and 54 yieldingly support the buck due to pressure introduced on the fluid in the reservoir 34 by the spring-pressed piston 36. This pressure on'the fluid is balanced by the springs 220 connected between the buck and a fixed support resulting in maintaining the buck -in a predetermined position to which the buck is work is thicker than the predetermined space between thebuck and the head, the buck will be proportionately displaced resulting in actuation of the motors 52 and 54 and displacement of fluid from the motors back into the reservoir.

Upon moving the head into operative position, the arm 234 is moved through an angle. This movement of the arm 234 places the spring 254 under tension resulting in movement of the lever 252 to engage the case-hardened insert 242 in the end of the arm 234, resulting in locking the arm 234 against movement to retain the head 224 in operative position. This movementof the arm 234 also places the springs 246 under tension, the object of which will hereinafter appear.

the head 224 is in inoperative.

pressing the springs. The circuit pressing downward on the hand grip I 68. This movement of the lever I 66 rocks the shaft I60 and this movement of the shaft results in moving the arm I58 secured thereto through an angle to transmit the force through the thrust pin I56 to the piston 96 to move the piston on its compression stroke. of the lever I58, the lever 202 is moved to close the valve I92, and this movement of the lever 202 rides over and clears the lever 264.

During the initial movement of the piston 96 on its compression stroke, the leak-proof cup II4 on the head I00 of the piston covers the ports H2, and the fluid in the large cylinder 14 is displaced therefrom through the ports I30 in the head I02 of the piston, past the leak-proof ,cup I36 into the smaller cylinder 16, thence through port 82, past the check valve 86, through passage 88 into the fluid pressure actuated motor 54, and thence through passage 90 into the fluid pressure actuated motor 52, resulting in actuation of these motors with consequent movement of the buck 204 against the head 224.

This movement of the buck is against the resistance of the springs 220, and results in com- Upon obtaining a predetermined pressure in the cylinder 14, the piston I42 is actuated by fluid under pressure in the cylinder 16 resulting in tripping the valve I48 and thereby rendering the head I00 of the piston ineffective for producing pressure, the fluid forward of the head I00 being returned to the reservoir by way of ports I28, chamber I22, port I24, and port 18. As the piston 86 proceeds on its compression stroke, the valve I 48 alternately opens and closes as the pressure increases until the pressure in the cylinder 16 is sufficient to retain the valve I48 in open position. This transsition of pressure occurs over a relatively wide range depending entirely upon the relation of the area of the piston I42 to the area of the valve I48. Because of the restricted opening I34 providing a communication between the cylinder 16 and the sleeve I 04, sudden movements of the piston 96 on its compression stroke will not cause actuation of the valve I48.-

When the pressure between the ironing elements reaches a predetermined degree, the fluid under pressure in the system actuates the switch 94 to close the circuit 212, resulting in lighting the lamp 214. This gives a visular indication that the required ironing pressure between the ironing elements has been obtained.

Upon release of the applied force, the check valve 86 closes to maintain the pressure at a predetermined degree, and after maintaining the pressure for a sufficient period of time to effectively iron the work, the operator raises the lever I66 by the handgrip I68. This movement of the lever is transmitted to the shaft I60 resulting in movement of the arm. I58, thereby retracting the thrust pin I56. As the thrust pin is retracted, the piston 96 is returned to its nor-' mal retracted position underthe influence of the spring I40.

Simultaneously with this movement As the piston 96 returns to its retracted position, the cups H4 and I36 collapse and fluid is drawn from the reservoir 34 through the port 18, chamber H0 and ports H2, past the cup II4 into the cylinder 14 forward of the piston head,

I00, thence through ports I30 in the piston head I02, past the cup I36, into the cylinder 16, filling the cylinders 14 and 16 for subsequent operation. When the piston 96 is fully retracted, the cup II4 uncovers the port and any surplus fluid in the cylinder is returned through this port to the reservoir.

Upon movement of the lever I66 in reverse direction, the shaft I60 is moved through a slight angle and this movement is transmitted through the arm 202 on the shaft and the valve stem I94 to trip the valve I92, whereupon pressure on the fluid in the fluid pressure motors 52 and is released. Upon tripping the valve I92, the fluid in the motors 52 and 54 is returned therefrom through the passages and I14, valve chamber I10, and passage I12 to the reservoir. This results in movement of the pistons 56 in the motors 52 and 54 and consequent movement of the buck to its normal or inoperative position.

Further movement of the operating lever in reverse direction moves the arm I58, and this movement is transmitted through the link 256 to move the bell crank lever 252, resulting in disengaging this lever from the arm 234, whereupon the springs 246 become effective to return the head 224 to elevated or inoperative position. This movement of the lever 252 is also transmitted through the spring 266 to move the levers 264 and 268 into engagement with the arms I58 and 202 to retain the operating lever I64 in its normal position and against movement while the head 224 is in elevated position.

While this invention has been described in connection with certain specific embodiments, the principle involved is susceptible of numerous other applications that will readily occur to persons skilled in the art. The invention is, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. An ironing machine comprising a frame, spaced upward extended hollow columns on the frame, a head supported on one of the columns for movement into and from operative position, means for locking the head in operative position, a buck for cooperation with the head, a sleeve on the back of the buck telescoping the other column on the frame, and fluid pressure means supported on the frame for actuating the buck.

2. An ironing machine comprising a frame having spaced upwardly extended hollow columns, a head supported on one of the columns for movement into and from operative position, means for locking the head in operative ,position, a buck for cooperation with the head, a dependent sleeve on the back of the buck telescoping the other column, yielding members connecting the buck to said other column, and fluid pressure means in said other column for actuating the buck.

3. An ironing machine comprising a frame having spaced upwardly extended hollow columns, a head supported on one of the columns for movement into and from operative position, means for locking the head in operative position, a buck for cooperation with the head, a sleeve dependent from the back of the buck telescoping the other column, compression elements connected between the sleeve on the buck and said other column,

and fluid pressure means in said other column for actuating the buck.

4. An ironing machine comprising a frame having spaced upwardly extended hollow columns, a head supported on one of the columns for movement into and from operative position, means for locking the head in operative position, a buck for cooperation with the head, a sleeve dependent from the back of the buck telescoping the other column, compression elements connecting the sleeve on the buck to said other column, fluid pressure actuated motors in the last mentioned column operatively connected to the buck, and a fluid pressure producing device for actuating the motors.

5. An ironing machine comprising a frame including spaced upwardly extended hollow columns, a head supported on one of the columns for movement into and from operative position, means for locking the head in operative position, a

I buck for cooperation with the head, a sleeve on the back of the buck telescoping the other column, means yieldingly retaining the sleeve against vertical movement, a fluid pressure system in the last-mentioned column comprising a. reservoir, a spring-pressed piston in the reservoir, fluid pressure motors on the wall of the reservoir operatively connected to the buck, a cylinder in the base of the reservoir having ports providing communications between the reservoir and the cylinder, a piston reciprocable in the cylinder, a check valve connected between the cylinder and the motors, a relief valve connected between the reservoir and the motors, and means on the frame for actuating the piston in the cylinder and the relief valve.

6. An ironing machine comprising a frame including spaced upwardly extended hollow columns, a head supported on one of the columns for movement into and from operative position, means for locking the head in operative position, a buck for cooperation with the head, a sleeve dependent from the back of the buck telescoping the other column, means inhibiting angular movement of the sleeve, means yieldingly retaining the sleeve against vertical movement, a fluid pressure system in the second-mentioned column comprising a reservoir, a spring-Dressed plunger in the reservoir, diametrically disposed fluid pressure motors on the wall of .the reservoir connected to and adaptable for actuating the buck, a cylinder in the base of the reservoir having ports providing communications between the reservoir and the cylinder, a reciprocable piston in the cylinder, a check valve connected between the cylinder and the motors, a relief valve connected between the reservoir and the motors, and means on the frame for actuating the piston in the cylinder and the relief valve.

7. An ironing machine comprising a frame including spaced upwardly extended hollow columns, a head supported on one of the colums for'movement into and from operative position, means for locking the head in operative position, a buck for cooperation with the head supported on the other column for vertical reciprocation, a fluid pressure system in the last-mentioned column comprising a reservoir, means in the reservoir imposing pressure on fluid therein, diametrically disposed fluid pressure motors on the wall of the reservoir operatively connected to the buck, means connected to the buck for balancing the pressure on the fluid in the reservoir, a cylinder in the base of the reservoir having portsprovlding communications between the reservoir and the cylinder, a check valve connected between the cylinder and the motors, a relief valve connected between the reservoir and the motors, a. piston reciprocablein'the cylinder, and means on the frame for actuating the piston in the cylinder and the relief valve including means for unlocking the locking means. 1

8. An. ironing machine comprising a fram including spaced upwardly extended hollow columns, a. head supported on one of the columns for movement into and from operative position,

means for locking the head in operative position a buck for cooperation with the head supported on the other. column for vertical reciprocation, a fiuid pressure system housed in the secondmentioned column comprising a reservoir, means in the reservoir imposing pressure on fluid therein, means for balancing at a predetermined pressure the pressure on the fluid in the reservoir, fluid pressure actuated motors arranged on the wall of the reservoir and operatively connected to the buck, a cylinder in the base of the reservoir having ports providing communications between the reservoir and the cylinder, 9. check valve connected between the cylinder and the motors, a relief valve connected between the reservoir and the motors, means on the frame for actuating the piston in the cylinder and the relief valve including means for unlocking the locking means, and means effective upon unlocking the locking means to return the head to inoperative position. i WALLACE F. OLIVER. 

